Blog Posts

For one of my Bible classes, students are required to write their final paper on the letter to Philemon in the New Testament.

The paper asks students to trace Paul’s argument, or rather, petition, for a runaway slave named Onesimus, with a specific emphasis on several verses. One of which is verse 15 (NRSV), “Perhaps this is the reason he was separated from you for a while, so that you might have him back forever.” The word I have students focus on is perhaps.

It’s a small word, which is used only one other time in the New Testament (Romans 5:7). It comes from the Greek word, τάχα, an adverb meaning “possibly” or “peradventure.”

We’ve frequently used this analogy over the last several months to describe the journey we’re embarking on. Why specifically a pirate ship, I know not, but this is the vision that came to you, and one that’s resonated with both of us.

For our 11-month anniversary, you gave me a pirate ship coloring book. Your thoughtfulness always astonishes me, however, it was the gift’s symbolism which also deeply moved me…

With the new year approaching, resolutions are right around the corner.

In talking about our wishes for 2017, my roommate commented that she wanted to lose emotional weight. While most people desire to lose physical pounds, she’s wanting to shed the emotional heaviness—the pain, resentment, anger, hopelessness, shame, and fear—that has weighed her down for years...